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31st October 2024
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THE HOT STORY
How social debates are costing schools millions
Recent analysis reveals that American schools incurred over $3bn in costs due to conflicts surrounding race, LGBTQ+ policies, and library book selections during the last academic year. The study, conducted by researchers including John Rogers from UCLA and Rachel White from UT Austin, surveyed 467 superintendents across 46 states. It found that two-thirds of superintendents reported “moderate” or “high” levels of conflict, with high-conflict districts averaging costs of about $800,000. Legal expenses were a significant burden, often linked to lawsuits and public-records requests. The stress from these conflicts has also negatively impacted staff mental health, with 94% of superintendents in high-conflict areas noting adverse effects on staff well-being. One superintendent shared: “Our social media accounts were effectively bombed … full of messages of hate,” highlighting the intense pressure faced by school leaders and staff.
COLLEGE SUCCESS
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TECHNOLOGY
Teachers seek AI training boost
According to a recent survey by the EdWeek Research Center, 43% of teachers have received at least one training session on artificial intelligence (AI), marking a significant increase from 29% earlier this year. Despite this progress, 58% of teachers still lack any training, highlighting a pressing need for districts to enhance professional development opportunities. Tara Natrass, managing director of innovation strategy for ISTE+ASCD, emphasized that “districts have a lot of work to do to get everyone up to speed.” Many teachers expressed a desire for more training, with one high school math teacher from Colorado stating, “I would really like to have some in-depth training on the use of some of the new educational AI tools.” While some educators are utilizing AI for lesson planning and material creation, others remain skeptical about its role in education, fearing it may hinder creativity and learning.
WORKFORCE
Rethinking teacher pay for retention
In addressing teacher retention, Karen Hawley Miles and David Rosenberg emphasize that simple pay raises are insufficient. They argue that "across-the-board pay raises are expensive and aren't connected to educators' actual impact on students." Instead, they propose strategic salary increases focused on early-career teachers, high-paying leadership roles, and incentives for high-need positions. Additionally, they advocate for flexible teaching roles and updated contract language to make the profession more attractive. By implementing these changes, districts can better support educators and ultimately enhance student outcomes. The authors stress the importance of ensuring that "all students have the opportunity to succeed" through thoughtful compensation strategies.
ENROLLMENT
High school students drive college enrollment
In Colorado, high school students are significantly impacting community college enrollment, accounting for nearly half of the total. According to the Colorado Community College System, over 39,000 dual-enrolled students are still in high school, contributing to a 90% increase in community college enrollment this year. Sarah Heath, system vice chancellor of academic and student affairs, stated: “We really have focused on the value of high school plus.” Despite the growth, concerns remain about the long-term benefits and costs of these programs. A state report estimated that graduates saved about $53m in tuition through dual enrollment opportunities. Lawmakers are now seeking to streamline the fragmented system to enhance access and effectiveness for all students.
FINANCE
Tax blunder hits New Orleans schools
New Orleans school districts are grappling with a sudden $20m funding shortfall caused by district miscalculations in tax revenue projections. Initially unnoticed, these errors, now affecting October payments, have left school administrators in disarray, with potential losses of up to $900 per student. The budget drop compounds challenges posed by declining enrollment and the end of COVID relief funding, heightening fears of a financial "fiscal cliff." School leaders, including those from large networks like KIPP, warn that cuts could severely impact staffing, academic resources, and support for high-need students. In response, NOLA Public Schools, under Superintendent Avis Williams, has faced criticism for communication lapses and mismanagement, as charter school leaders demand clear explanations and corrective action. A third-party financial consultant, funded by New Schools for New Orleans, will be brought in to assist the district in stabilizing its finances and advising school leaders on managing the expected budget deficit.
Chicago's budget battle heats up
On August 26, 2024, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson addressed families and staff at McAuliffe Elementary School, unveiling a proposed budget amid a nearly $1bn deficit. The plan allocates approximately $300m to Chicago Public Schools (CPS), which is $140m more than previously budgeted but still $190m short of CPS's needs. Johnson emphasised: “We are building a government that truly works for the people,” during his budget speech. The budget includes $570m in Tax Increment Financing (TIF) surplus funds, with $296m designated for CPS. However, CPS CEO Pedro Martinez has requested an additional $325m in TIF surplus to cover labor costs and pensions. The district faces potential cuts or borrowing if additional funds are not secured. The upcoming school board election on November 5 may influence future funding decisions.
GOVERNANCE
Teachers rally for school board power
In California, the upcoming school board elections are drawing significant attention, with the California Teachers Association (CTA) and conservative groups ramping up their efforts. CTA President David Goldberg emphasized the importance of teacher engagement, stating: “We know that our popularity as educators and union educators is at an all-time high.” Teachers in Elk Grove have knocked on about 7,000 doors to support union-endorsed candidates and a local school facilities bond. Meanwhile, conservative candidates are also mobilizing, aiming to reshape educational policies. The stakes are high, as both sides recognize that power dynamics in local school boards can significantly impact educational governance.
Milwaukee schools face tough choices
Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS) is grappling with significant challenges, as highlighted in a recent report by Perkins Eastman. The analysis reveals that one in four schools is overcrowded, while another quarter are underutilized, leading to a waste of resources. Susan Zoller from MGT Consulting Group previously noted: "You could choose to do nothing, relative to this, and it will continue to get worse." The current report echoes findings from 2018, indicating a persistent issue with the distribution of academic programs and declining enrollment. MPS is considering the closure or merger of 13 schools that are less than 50% occupied and have seen falling enrollment. The school board is set to review the facilities planning process, with community feedback being sought before any final decisions are made.
LEGAL
Court revives lawsuit for Jewish families
A recent ruling by the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals has revived a lawsuit filed by Orthodox Jewish families against California education officials regarding the state's refusal to fund special education programs at religious schools. The lawsuit, initiated by two religious schools and three parents of children with autism, argues that the policy is discriminatory. Judge Kim Wardlaw stated that California's requirement burdens the families' free exercise of religion, emphasizing that “Parent Plaintiffs are required to choose between the special education benefits made available through public school enrollment and education in an Orthodox Jewish setting.” Attorney Eric Rassbach hailed the decision as a “massive win for Jewish families in California,” while the California Department of Education maintained that its policy upholds government neutrality toward religion. The case will now be reconsidered in federal court.
School board's secret meeting backfires
The Centerville Community School District has been ordered to pay $113,258 after a court found it violated Iowa's Open Meetings and Records Law. Judge Mark Kruse ruled that the school board unlawfully convened in a closed session to discuss the resignation of guidance counselor Ryan Hodges, who was suspected of improper contact with students. The lawsuit, initiated by the Iowa Freedom of Information Council and its executive director, Randy Evans, revealed that the board's private discussions focused on the resignation agreement rather than Hodges' job performance. Kruse stated, “In reading the minutes of the meeting several times, it is difficult to find any consistent, or meaningful, discussion evaluating the professional competency of Mr. Hodges.” The ruling emphasizes the importance of transparency in public meetings.
NUTRITION
Hawaii schools embrace gardens for education, but food safety hurdles remain
Schools across Hawaii are enhancing education through gardens, allowing students hands-on learning in agriculture, nutrition, and sustainability. At Kailua Intermediate, students harvest produce for classroom meals, while Leilehua High incorporates farming into career training. However, despite the educational value, state food safety protocols restrict using garden-grown produce in cafeterias. The Hawaii Department of Education’s Garden to Cafeteria program, aimed at ensuring compliance with safety standards, was paused during the pandemic, leaving schools like Leilehua to independently meet food handling regulations. Advocates hope for the program’s revival to bridge gardens with school cafeterias, promoting local produce in student meals. 
TRANSPORTATION
Unlocking clean bus funding opportunities
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has launched a new funding round for the Clean School Bus Program (CSBP), running from September 26, 2024, to January 9, 2025. This initiative, favored by NSTA members, offers up to $965m in rebates for zero-emission and clean school buses. As stated on the EPA website: “The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law of 2021 authorizes the EPA to offer rebates to replace existing school buses with clean and zero-emission models.” The rebate amounts vary significantly, with Class 7+ zero-emission buses eligible for up to $325,000, while propane and CNG replacements receive lower rebates. The program also includes funding for nearly-zero emissions vehicles, emphasizing the need for applicants to understand the complexities of the rebate process.

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